I can not bring myself to consent, my dear Temple, that Doctor Bancroft should leave this city, without carrying you a few lines, to prove as it were my existence. Although, I have written you several times, since my arrival, I must suppose that most of my Letters must have miscarried, or I am certain they would not have remained totally unanswered. I know that your business is great, & your employment almost continual—but notwithstanding you have ever found a moment of Leasure to dedicate to the instruction or entertainment of a Friend, & I flatter myself that altho’ distant from him, you will still have some small portion of your time at his service

What think you of Mr. De Marbois’s connecting himself in this Country—Can you account for it upon any principles of Policy, or Interest, the general inducements when Foreigners marry out of their own Country. Many people are at a loss to account for Miss Morris’s choice; but it is allowed on all hands that M de Marbois has Merit, & many amiable qualities, & if they were to take into consideration the charms of a commission, which he will shortly exercise they would rather wonder why she has hesitated so long.

Since we are speaking of Marbois I can not but ask, if you have heard of the behaviour of a Person who calls himself the Chev. de Longchamps. He, sometime since, married a Miss Kidd, & being desirous of getting possession of her fortune, as well as that of her infant sister, applied to the Orphans courts for the removal of her Guardian, & petitioned to be appointed in his Stead. Some opposition was made to his prayer, & the Gentleman was much offended. Some time since, a small piece appeared in one of the Gazettes advising young Ladies to be careful of their connections with Foreigners, & reflecting, as the Chevr. thought, upon his character. He applied to the Consul to have his credentials authenticated; but M. de Marbois, not being, as is supposed, satisfied with the proofs offered, declined having any thing to do with the affair. The Chevr. was piqued at this refusal, & had the Imprudence to threaten him in the Minister’s Hotel. He some time after took the Oath of Allegiance, & the next day meeting Marbois in the Street he caned him. The Foreign Ministers resident here joined in a complaint against the outrage offered to their sacred characters, & demanded of our President satisfaction for the Injury received. The Chevr. was confined but shortly after upon application he was permitted to shew cause why he should be admitted to Bail. This, however, was not of long continuance, for by some means or other he was readmitted to the custody of the Sheriff, who in conducting him to Prison was prevailed upon by him, to permit him to make a visit to his Wife. The Sheriff like a humane Man accompanied him to his Dwelling, & waited below in the Parlour whilst he went into his Wife’s chamber, who was not very well. The Chev. however thought no time like the present, & made his escape at a back window; the Sheriff waiting a reasonable time, & the Chevr. not making his appearance proceeded to Madame Longchamps chamber to enquire after his Prisoner—but upon his enterance & enquiry, was much surprized to find his Bird flown. A Proclamation offering a Reward was issued, & my Gentleman fearful of not being able to escape has given himself up. In a few days it will be determined, whether or not he shall be given up, to the Minister, & provision will probably soon be made for the punishment of like offences: in the mean time, we must wait patiently the decision of the Judge I have I fear trespassed too much upon your time let me beg you to offer my most respectful comp to your Grandfather who I hope is well & believe me to be as ever Your assured Friend